Sakai Takayuki Moonlit Waves Petty 135mm

A large paring knife, thin blade, nice and pointy. For those more fiddly jobs around the kitchen.

The handles on these knives are all scaled to match the size of the blade which we really like. It's a quality handle too, solid and weighty with a full tang which is unusual for a Japanese knife but that is why this one is so popular, it brings together the quality and beauty of Japanese steel with a more familiar Western handle. The blade is sharp as you'd expect and simply wonderful to look at. Certainly a pleasure to use or just stare at.

What we thought about this knife

We have personally tested and reviewed this knife to give you an honest and personal opinion about it and this is how it rates. Remember these scores are a reflection of the company these knives keep, all our knives are great (or we wouldn't sell them) but we can't give them all 5/5. A low score doesn't mean it's a poor knife, it just might be out-trumped by one of our other amazing knives.

4 / 5Overall performance

A VG10 cutting edge gives this knife a truly great cutting edge and allows it to keep it for a long time meaning you get to spend more time cooking rather than sharpening. The stainless steel clad on to each side protects it from corrosion. The dimpled hammer finishes helps prevent sliced of food sticking to the blade by reducing the surface area in contact with the food, they also look great too.

4 / 5Beauty

The blades look stunning and are certainly eye catching. The 17 layers of stainless steel on each side are hand ground to reveal each one in turn like tree rings. The hammered dimples are a by product of getting the layers to bind together but leave the blade with this wonderful finish. The mahogany wooden handles finish it off well and make this range very attractive.

4 / 5Durability

Japanese blades are all about sharpness and the ability to cut. To achieve that they are always thinner than most Western knives. As a result a little extra care is needed with them. That said they are more than up to the job of working in any kitchen be it pro or home. The handle is really study being made from mahogany and riveted to the full tang of the knife, its going no where.

The edge steel does need a little more care than some of our other knives as it is a little softer so we'd recommend a quick hone with a sharpening rod every couple of weeks to avoid it going too dull over time.

4 / 5Ease of care

The stainless steel cladding makes this nice really easy to care for by protecting the cutting edge steel (VG10 in this instance) from rusting. The handle being wood should not be immersed in water so its the usual ritual of use, wipe, dry and store. Job done.

5 / 5Comfort

The handle will be very familiar to most Western users as its what we are used to seeing in a kitchen knife. The grip is good and the balance of the knife is nicely central or neutral. A great knife with a lot of feel.

5 / 5Value for money

Great Japanese blades, super sturdy handles, fabulous looks and performance to match. At this price what is not to like?

Our aim is to measure everything as accurately as possible but some specifications (such as hardness for example) are provided by the manufacturer and therefore should be used as a guide only.

What you get with the knife

A textured yellow box, lined with navy blue card. Each knife is enclosed in a clear plastic cover to keep it protected.

All our knives also come with free blue plasters just in case you're not ready for the sharpness! If you intend to use your knives regularly then we don't advise you to use the boxes for day to day storage, get a magnetic knife rack instead.

What is a Paring knife?

Small and handy, the paring knife is your mini Chef's knife used for those jobs where the Chef's knife is too big. You'll miss it if you don't have it.